Wednesday 4 July 2012

Meltdowns with an audience.

Thankyou for your supportive, kind comments on the Japanese Cooking Fail No. 5889 - Do Not Ever Serve Korean Pancake with Rice. Ever.


But, it was all more ME over-reacting...and I don't really know why. Just tired after a weekend of cakes and tea party and stuff?
Yujiro actually told me this Handy Cultural Tip in a gentle, helpful way - and I blew up over it. He has learned that criticising my cooking isn't a great idea at the dinner table, and I think he has even trained Okaasan to just eat whatever is on the plate and not comment too much - because a year ago or so I had regular eruptions on this topic when they would comment that "in Japan XXXXX...." - now they just eat it without any comments, and while it is disappointing - it is better than outright helpful criticism.


So, in fact Sunday night it really wasn't his fault.
Mine. Large over-reaction.


The worst thing is: having a meltdown with the audience of Okaasan sitting there across the table. This multi-generational living means that what should only be a momentary scuffle between a couple is forced in control or not in front of an older family member. Grin and get on with it. Furious whispers in the utility room, furtive back patting, knee patting under the table....


GYWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgh!


But soon? I will fly away from all of this. 3 weeks from now I am going to England to see all my friends, for the longest holiday in ages and two days of Olympic watching.


sooooooon.


Meanwhile, better go  today and ask at the community center if the Thursday hula class has vacancies and Okaasan can go tomorrow and try out. And...how many performance events they have....

3 comments:

  1. a lurky person who admires your extreme fortitude4 July 2012 at 13:39

    Noooo, that wasn't a meltdown! A meltdown definitely involves shouting, screaming and possibly throwing pointy things. I think your silent Cheese Basil Rice attack was a satirical statement of genius proportions :D

    Next time my husband brings up the Ways of Rice (I often had this too in protest against my pre-marital custom of cooking rice in chicken broth and adding butter at the end.. delish but had to let it go when cooking for two.. boo) I am SO following your lead and breaking out the dairy products and western condiments, brilliant! Let's start a movement to fight back against "koko wa nihon"-ism with cheeeeeese :)

    Rest assured your sainthood nomination isn't going anywhere! Hope you have a wonderful trip home.

    ReplyDelete
  2. a lurky person who admires your extreme fortitude4 July 2012 at 13:40

    Noooo, that wasn't a meltdown! A meltdown definitely involves shouting, screaming and possibly throwing pointy things. I think your silent Cheese Basil Rice attack was a satirical statement of genius proportions :D

    Next time my husband brings up the Ways of Rice (I often had this too in protest against my pre-marital custom of cooking rice in chicken broth and adding butter at the end.. delish but had to let it go when cooking for two.. boo) I am SO following your lead and breaking out the dairy products and western condiments, brilliant! Let's start a movement to fight back against "koko wa nihon"-ism with cheeeeeese :)

    Rest assured your sainthood nomination isn't going anywhere! Hope you have a wonderful trip home.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lurky person...you are kind...

    oh The Way of Rice.....rice is ok, but so much better with cheese or chicken broth...or ketchup...or....

    yesterday on Tv saw a show about how really STRANGE people put bits of yakitori OFF the sticks on into their soba/ramen.....on and on about this practice....Japan is SO set in eating habits.
    FYO- cheese basil salad dressing on rice. Very yum!

    ReplyDelete